Gov. Deval Patrick, Public Safety and Security Secretary Andrea J. Cabral and State Police Col. Timothy P. Alben welcomed the 81st Recruit Training Troop – which included a Waltham resident – to the ranks of the Massachusetts State Police.

The 174 trainees were appointed to the rank of trooper at their State Police Academy Graduation Ceremony. Patrick addressed the graduates and administered the oath to the troopers.

"I am honored to celebrate the accomplishments of these graduates," Patrick said. "The State Police includes some of the bravest, strongest and smartest citizens from every corner of the Commonwealth. I thank these graduates for their willingness to serve the Commonwealth."

The graduation ceremony, held at the DCU Center in Worcester, marked the completion of an academically and physically vigorous 23-week training program. The troopers will be deployed to barracks across the state to bolster the department’s mission to protect and serve the public. Each new trooper will spend the next three months riding with a veteran trooper who will serve as a field training officer.

Michael J. Coflesky of Waltham is a member of the graduating class.

"The troops in this graduating class are sorely needed to boost the ranks of the Massachusetts State Police who work diligently to protect and serve every citizen in the Commonwealth," Cabral said. "We are anxious for their tours of duty to begin."

Academy training included coursework on police procedures, criminal law, domestic violence, homeland security and other law enforcement topics. Outside of the classroom, the recruits underwent extensive training in emergency vehicle operation, firearms and defensive tactics. They also underwent daily physical training, including runs of several miles, boxing, ropes courses and Crossfit-style workouts.

Recruits also rotated through more than 70 scenarios, complete with realistic settings and role players, designed to mimic situations to which they will find themselves responding. These included motor vehicle stops, encounters with suspicious persons, confrontations with armed suspects, active shooter situations, domestic violence incidents and many other re-enactments of critical incidents.

Many of the trainees had previous experience in law enforcement as local police officers, corrections officers and transportation security. Several trainees had, as teenagers, attended the Massachusetts State Police Student Troopers program. The class includes numerous military veterans, including a handful who earned medals for their actions in combat.

"The level of instruction and training, both mental and physical, that these trainees have completed was second to none other," Alben said. "For 23 weeks they were made to function and accomplish goals while placed under daily stressors intended to replicate the unpredictable nature of a police officer’s job. I can say without reservation that these men and women are prepared to begin their careers as Massachusetts state troopers."